News about murder is enough to upset anyone. But when the murder victim and perpetrator are both minors, it is even more upsetting than it would have been otherwise!
News about a missing 10-year-old girl Iliana “Lily” Peters from Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin made national headlines. The story was being followed closely by several media outlets and members of the community.
Lily’s last known whereabouts were on the 400 block of North Grove Street on Sunday according to police, when she was leaving her aunt’s house to make her way home. When she never showed up, her family grew concerned and reported her missing at 9 p.m. the same night.
A search ensued for the lost child and police were quick to find her bike near a wooded area by a trail. Lily’s body was discovered the following morning in the wooded area next to the trail.
“While nothing will bring Lily Peters back or change what happened, we are very grateful to deliver this news to the family and to the community,” said Police Chief Matthew Kelm to the media.
On Tuesday, officials were seen to be conducting a search in the area where Lily was last seen alive.
While the community is saddened at the loss of the young girl, they are also relieved that the search came to an end quickly. “It’s shocking, I’m glad that it’s not prolonging, I even said today I’m glad that Lily’s body was found right away rather than you know making the family wait I’m glad tonight that they have somebody in custody”, said a resident of the area.
Now a break in the case has been made and a 14-year-old is being charged with first-degree murder and rape of Lily Peters. The state is alleging that the 14-year-old, whose name is withheld because him being a minor, was with Lily Peters when she left her aunt’s house and had intended to rape and kill Peters.
The suspect is in police custody, and the state has requested a $1 million bond since they believe the suspect has a high-flight risk. More details about the suspect and crime have been sealed due to his status as a minor.
“Without knowledge as to who an offender is that is a very concerning matter for the community,” said Chippewa Falls District Attorney Wade Newell, who himself is a father to a 17-year-old daughter. He says he wants to make sure his community is protected and hence requested the high-value cash bond.
Since the case files are sealed because the suspect is a minor, the details about the incident have been few and far between.
The district attorney gave some details about the murder, “When he did get off of the trail, punched the victim in the stomach knocked her to the ground, essentially strangled her hair, hit with a stick before strangling her to the point of death before he then sexually assaulted her,” he said.
The community in Wisconsin is saddened by the murder and is campaigning for justice rigorously.
The case is incredibly saddening. Young Iliana ‘Lily’ Peters’ life was lost too soon. We hope her family gets the justice they deserve and finds some healing from this terrible tragedy!
